Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of Allure editors and brandsSave this storySave this story
The search for the best tinted sunscreen comes down to finding that sweet spot between a formula that offers SPF 30+ UV defense and a better-than-skin finish without the dreaded white cast. Unlike a standard sunscreen, a tinted formula uses iron oxides to help camouflage redness, discoloration, and uneven tone while guarding against visible sunlight (a major trigger for melasma and hyperpigmentation).
Whether the formula relies on 100% mineral blockers like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, or a hybrid, pairing those minerals with chemical filters, the goal is the same: broad-spectrum coverage without the chalky, ashy finish. With finishes ranging from dewy to soft-matte, finding a formula tailored to your skin type has never been easier. Even better, the top options do double duty as skin care, infusing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and antioxidants to hydrate, calm, and protect.
Our Top Tinted Sunscreens
- Best Overall: EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Sunscreen SPF 46, $47
- Best Drugstore: CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30, $16
- Best for Mature Skin: Isdin Eryfotona Ageless Tinted Mineral Sunscreen, $78
- Best for Oily Skin: Supergoop Mineral Mattescreen SPF 40, $40
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- What is the appeal of tinted sunscreen over a regular sunscreen?
- What's the difference between mineral, chemical, and hybrid tinted sunscreens? (Is there a difference from traditional sunscreens?)
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Ahead, we round up the nine best skin tints across every skin type, formula, and budget that Allure editors and dermatologists actually stand behind.
Best Overall: EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Sunscreen SPF 46
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EltaMD
UV Clear Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
Amazon
Dermstore
Bluemercury
Allure contributor Jailynn Taylor applying the EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Sunscreen SPF 46
Jailynn Taylor
Why we love it: Zinc oxide, the mineral active at the core of EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Sunscreen SPF 46, physically reflects UVA and UVB rays off the skin's surface. It's paired with octinoxate, a chemical filter, making this a hybrid formula that combines both approaches to sun protection and one that Dara Spearman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, calls "a staple for patients dealing with acne-prone or easily irritated skin.” Niacinamide rounds out the formula by calming inflammation and helping refine texture over time, while sodium hyaluronate and lactic acid support hydration and smoothness. Its oil-free base means it can be worn under makeup or alone, offering, as Dr. Spearman puts it, "protection without heaviness or congestion." The sheer tint blurs redness and discoloration without leaving a cast, and it's fragrance-free.
Taylor before applying the EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Sunscreen SPF 46
Jailynn Taylor
Taylor after applying the EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Sunscreen SPF 46
Jailynn Taylor
Allure senior news editor Elizabeth Gulino before applying the EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Sunscreen SPF 46
Elizabeth Gulino
Gulino after applying the EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Sunscreen SPF 46
Elizabeth Gulino
Tester feedback from contributor Jailynn Taylor
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“EltaMD’s Tinted Sunscreen has become a staple in my morning skin-care routine. It’s more on the sheer side, so I still reach for concealer when I need to cover deeper discoloration, but the lightweight formula is perfect for evening out my complexion on days when I just need to run errands without doing a full face. I love that it doesn’t transfer onto my clothes or hands (I chronically touch my face), and best of all, it hasn’t clogged my pores or caused any breakouts, like other sunscreens I’ve tested.” –Jailynn Taylor, contributor
Tester feedback from senior staff writer Elizabeth Gulino
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“I wear tinted sunscreen pretty much every single day and the EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Sunscreen SPF 46 is my holy grail. The brand's clinicals give me reassurance that the sunscreen is doing its job and protecting my skin, but the tinted aspect makes it a favorite in my base routine—it's tinted enough to cover any redness I have (my most annoying and persistent skin issue) but not so tinted as to look like I'm wearing a foundation. I'm almost out of my current bottle and will definitely be grabbing another soon.” –Elizabeth Gulino, senior staff writer
More to know
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- Sunscreen type: hybrid
- Key ingredients: zinc oxide (13.1%), niacinamide (5%), sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid), lactic acid
- Who it's for: all skin types, including sensitive
- Shades: 2
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Drugstore: CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen Deep Sheer Tint
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CeraVe
Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen Deep Sheer Tint
Sarah Han
Why we love it: CeraVe has built a stellar reputation on drugstore-favorite face washes and moisturizers, but its sunscreen lineup deserves just as much credit, starting with the Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Since sun exposure depletes your natural ceramides, putting them directly into a sunscreen—in this case, CeraVe’s signature blend of ceramide 1, 3, and 6-II— helps seal in moisture and protect your skin against irritants. Dr. Olamiju describes the formula as being very moisturizing, making it “a good fit for a patient with dry skin," pointing to that ceramide trio, alongside niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. The fragrance-free SPF relies on 100% mineral filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for gentle, physical UV protection, and comes in three shades that easily blend into a sheer, natural-looking tint—no white cast in sight.
Han before applying the CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen Deep Sheer Tint
Sarah Han
Han after applying the CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen Deep Sheer Tint
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“I'll be real: I've been sleeping on drugstore sunscreens in favor of Korean sunscreens—which, to be fair, are just as affordable! So, when I got this CeraVe mineral tinted SPF from a goodie bag at the Skin Cancer Foundation Gala (I know, fancy!), I decided to give it a shot and was surprised at how elegant the formula is! I use the Medium shade, which gives my skin a healthy, sun-kissed-esque look that I'm into! (Light could potentially work, but I'm afraid it would make me look paler than normal, which I hate.) The finish is quite dewy (another surprise!) but I find that the glowiness calms down a bit after some time. All in all, I'm very impressed for a mineral formula! I've definitely been reaching for this on no-makeup makeup days or using it as a skin tint sub if I am going for a face of makeup.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Sunscreen type: mineral
- Key ingredients: titanium dioxide (5.5%), zinc oxide (10%), hyaluronic acid, niacinamide
- Who it's for: all skin types
- Shades: 3
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Dry Skin: Saie Slip Tint Tinted Moisturizer SPF 35
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Saie
Slip Tint Tinted Moisturizer SPF 35
Amazon
Sephora
Allure senior art director Ingrid Fowler applying the Saie Slip Tint Tinted Moisturizer SPF 35
Ingrid Fowler
Why we love it: We appreciate that Saie developed an extensive shade range for the Slip Tint Tinted Moisturizer SPF 35. It’s not as large as your usual foundation range, but the 14 flexible, buildable tints rely on 15% non-nano zinc oxide to deliver gentle, broad-spectrum UV protection without irritating reactive or sensitive skin. It goes beyond standard sun protection with a rich mix of hydrating hyaluronic acid, tone-evening licorice root, soothing pansy flower extract, and moisture-locking squalane. The lightweight formula melts into the skin to deliver a glowy finish.
Fowler before applying the Saie Slip Tint Tinted Moisturizer SPF 35
Ingrid Fowler
Fowler after applying the Saie Slip Tint Tinted Moisturizer SPF 35
Ingrid Fowler
Tester feedback from senior art director Ingrid Fowler
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“I'm a big fan of the Saie Slip Tint Tinted Moisturizer in shade 2. I have quite pink undertones, and this light peachy shade matches me so well. I love how hydrating it is without being greasy, which I often experience with other daily SPFs. It's a great option if you prefer very light coverage.” –Ingrid Fowler, senior art director
More to know
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- Sunscreen type: mineral
- Key ingredients: zinc oxide (15%), hyaluronic acid, licorice root extract
- Who it's for: all skin types, including sensitive
- Shades: 14
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Mature Skin: Isdin Eryfotona Ageless Tinted Mineral Sunscreen
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Isdin
Eryfotona Ageless Tinted Mineral Sunscreen
Amazon
Dermstore
Sephora
Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the Isdin Eryfotona Ageless Tinted Mineral Sunscreen
Deanna Pai
Why we love it: The beauty of Isdin’s Eryfotona Ageless Tinted Mineral Sunscreen is that it's crafted to prevent photoaging, also known as signs of aging that UV rays can leave behind, like sun spots and wrinkles. Its line-reducing abilities are mainly due to photolyase enzymes, which "improve DNA damage after exposure to UV light, Kavita Mariwalla, MD, a New York-based board-certified dermatologist, says. Along with this key ingredient, Isdin’s mineral-based SPF is enriched with firming peptides and tone-evening antioxidants that prevent UV damage and improve the look of hyperpigmentation and fine lines. Though its tint comes out beige, its formula quickly blends into your skin as you massage it in. We’ve found that it doesn’t offer a ton of coverage—so don’t expect it to double as a skin tint—but it goes on practically invisible, leaving no trace that it was ever there. The dropper applicator also makes it easy to dispense just the right amount.
Pai before applying the Isdin Eryfotona Ageless Tinted Mineral Sunscreen
Deanna Pai
Pai after applying the Isdin Eryfotona Ageless Tinted Mineral Sunscreen
Deanna Pai
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
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“My mineral sunscreens have to be tinted—I have too much pigment in my skin to deal with the chalkiness. My skin is a medium olive with neutral undertones. I love that this pulls double-duty to not only protect my skin from sun damage but also actively works to even out my skin tone. That’s a big deal since I, like most people with deeper skin, am very prone to dark spots. Plus, it smells and feels like nothing.” –Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
More to know
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- Sunscreen type: mineral
- Key ingredients: zinc oxide (10.7%), peptides, plankton extract, photolyase enzymes
- Who it's for: maturing skin, sensitive skin
- Shades: 1
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best SPF Serum: Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
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Ilia
Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
Amazon
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Allure senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen applying Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
Nicola Dall’Asen
Why we love it: Ilia's Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 gets a lot of love from us for many reasons. In addition to offering light coverage in 30 diverse shades—pretty major for a tinted sunscreen—its nearly weightless serum format makes it truly unique. Although it feels (and looks) like you're wearing nothing, it's actually introducing moisture-boosting, calming ingredients like hyaluronic acid, squalane, and niacinamide into the skin, topped off with mineral sun filters. Don't panic if it looks a little pale at first application: The mineral zinc warms up and melts into your true shade within 60 seconds, leaving a dewy finish.
Dall’Asen before using the Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
Nicola Dall'Asen
Dall’Asen after using the Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
Nicola Dall'Asen
Tester feedback from former senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen
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“My hands automatically gravitate to this tinted serum when I can't be bothered to do skin care or makeup (a.k.a. very frequently). Putting the word 'serum' in the name wasn't a lie; this stuff oozes, goozes, and slathers just like a thick, somewhat oily serum, and that's exactly what lends itself to a seconds-long, rub-in application and instantly hydrating effect.” –Nicola Dall’Asen, former senior news editor
More to know
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- Sunscreen type: mineral
- Key ingredients: non-nano zinc oxide (12%), squalane, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid
- Who it's for: normal and dry skin types
- Shades: 30
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Shade Range: Tower 28 Beauty SunnyDays Skin Tint with Mineral Zinc SPF 30
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Tower 28
SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation
Amazon
Sephora
Han applying the Tower 28 SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation
Sarah Han
Why we love it: Tower 28's SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation is equal parts makeup and skin care. Loved by our editors for its barely-there feel, it also gets a nod of approval from Dr. Spearman, who finds it “especially effective for sensitive skin types or those who prefer minimal, breathable coverage that still evens out redness and tone.” Formulated to melt into the skin like a moisturizer, it offers effortless, finger-friendly application using just your hands. Our team also loves its flexible 17 shades and ability to tone down the look of redness, thanks to an antioxidant-rich blend of white sage and prickly pear extracts. Fun fact: Like most makeup and skin-care products from Tower 28, this formula received the National Eczema Association's Seal of Acceptance for its gentle, irritant-free formulation.
Han before applying the Tower 28 SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation
Sarah Han
Han after applying the Tower 28 SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from Han
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“SunnyDays and I go way back—at least, since its launch in 2021. Even as someone who almost always prefers a chemical sunscreen, I’ve found a few mineral SPFs (usually tinted) that pull their weight. SunnyDays blends in and sinks into the skin so naturally and weightlessly that I did a double-take the first time I used it. Even after all these years of consistent use, I have pretty much nothing negative to say about it! I dispense straight from the tube onto my face, give the formula a hearty rub-in with my clean fingers (which does most of the job, so we love!) and, if I have time, use a damp sponge mostly to ensure everything is blended in extra seamlessly. One caveat is that, no matter what tinted sunscreen it may be, I apply a standalone sunscreen prior to the tinted version for maximum protection.” –Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Sunscreen type: mineral
- Key ingredients: zinc oxide (13.58%), homosalate (7%), octisalate (5%), hyaluronic acid
- Who it's for: all skin types, including sensitive
- Shades: 17
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Oily Skin: Supergoop Mineral Mattescreen SPF 40
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Supergoop
Mineral Mattescreen SPF 40
Amazon
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Allure managing editor Alessandra Foresto applying the Supergoop! Mineral Mattescreen SPF 40
Alessandra Foresto
Why we love it: Supergoop made its name in the sun protection space, and its Mineral Mattescreen has won many of the chemical formulas BOB/RCA but don't overlook this mineral formula. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide handle broad-spectrum protection here, but the real appeal for oily and combination skin is the mousse-like texture, built with skin-conditioning polymers that blur the look of pores and control shine for up to 12 hours. Doubling as a smooth makeup primer, it uses four sheer shades (Translucent, Sunrise, Golden Hour, and Sunset) to completely neutralize the white cast typical of mineral formulas.
Foresto before applying the Supergoop! Mineral Mattescreen SPF 40
Alessandra Foresto
Foresto after applying the Supergoop! Mineral Mattescreen SPF 40
Alessandra Foresto
Tester feedback from managing editor Alessandra Foresto
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“I've been a fan of this tinted matte mineral sunscreen from Supergoop since it only came in one universal shade. I'm even more of a fan now that they have extended their range to better match my skin tone. (I use shade Golden Hour.) I love wearing it on its own when I need a little coverage on my dark spots on a summer day when I don't feel like wearing a full face of makeup. But it's also by far the best sunscreen to use under makeup because it functions as a smoothing and grippy primer that makes my foundation, concealer, or skin tint (whatever I feel like that day) go on more evenly and stay on for longer.
It's lightweight, and in my experience it doesn't travel into eyes even if you go into water. Because it's tinted, there's no white cast left behind by the mineral SPF at all, and unlike other tinted mineral SPF I've tried, there's no patchy application either.“ —Alessandra Foresto, managing editor
More to know
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- Sunscreen type: mineral
- Key ingredients: non-nano zinc oxide (17.42%), titanium dioxide (1.33%), wild ginger root extract
- Who it's for: normal and oily skin types
- Shades: 4
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Sunscreen SPF 50
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La Roche-Posay
Anthelios Sunscreen SPF 50
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why we love it: “Dependable protection with a very natural, skin-enhancing finish" is how Dr. Spearman describes La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios 50 Mineral Tinted Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid, a 2023 Allure Best of Beauty Award winner. The 100% mineral formula is built around titanium dioxide and paired with the brand's proprietary Cell-Ox Shield antioxidant complex, which helps defend against free-radical damage. Dr. Spearman finds it particularly effective for "individuals with uneven tone or mild discoloration," in part because the texture "layers smoothly and does not feel heavy or occlusive." The fragrance-free tint is also formulated and tested specifically for sensitive skin, so anyone can use it with confidence.
Brianna Olamiju, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, reaches for the line's SPF 40 version just as often, which is also available in four subtle, blendable shades. The two formulas overlap in nearly every way that matters. The difference comes down to the mineral filter itself: SPF 50 relies on titanium dioxide alone, which skews stronger against UVB and shorter-wave UVA rays, while SPF 40 pairs titanium dioxide with zinc oxide, a combination that extends coverage further into the longer UVA1 wavelengths (that penetrate more deeply into the dermis than UVA) tied to wrinkles, skin elasticity, and pigmentation.
More to know
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- Sunscreen type: mineral
- Key ingredients: titanium dioxide (11%), Cell-Ox Shield antioxidant complex (vitamin C, vitamin E, Cassia Alata/Senna leaf extract), iron oxides
- Who it's for: all skin types, including sensitive
- Shades: 4
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Redness: Versed Skin Solution Multi-Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
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Versed
Skin Solution Multi-Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
Ulta Beauty
Revolve
Why we love it: If facial flushing or flare-upsare a common occurrence, Versed’s Skin Solution Multi-Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 belongs on your radar. It's been accepted by the National Rosacea Association, a signal that the formula has been thoroughly vetted as gentle enough for reactive skin. Non-nano zinc oxide provides broad-spectrum protection, while hyaluronic acid hydrates and kakadu plum extract helps brighten your overall complexion. It comes in 14 shades spanning cool, neutral, and warm undertones, with light-to-medium buildable coverage and a dewy finish that blends effortlessly into skin.
Tester feedback from Taylor
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“I use Versed’s Skin Solution Multi-Serum Skin Tint to wake up my morning skin. My face tends to look a bit flushed when I first wake up, and this formula instantly evens out my complexion (both redness and hyperpigmentation). It's my morning signal that I'm starting my day when I don't feel like doing a full face. Best of all, despite its hydrating dewy finish, it has never clogged my pores or caused breakouts–it goes on virtually weightless.” –Jailynn Taylor, contributor
More to know
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- Sunscreen type: mineral
- Key ingredients: non-nano zinc oxide (13.1%), hyaluronic acid, kakadu plum extract
- Who it's for: all skin types, including rosacea
- Shades: 14
- Fragrance-free: yes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the appeal of tinted sunscreen over a regular sunscreen?
Tinted sunscreen contains iron oxides, pigments that give it its tint, and it helps shield skin from visible light (visible sunlight and blue light), something regular sunscreen doesn't do. "This is important because visible light can worsen conditions like melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation," explains Dr. Olamiju. It also solves a common complaint with traditional mineral formulas: Dr.Olamiju notes that tinted sunscreen "minimizes white cast" while camouflaging discoloration already on the skin. Beyond that extra shield, Dr. Spearman points to the practical payoff: “Tinted sunscreens appeal to many patients because they combine daily UV protection with an immediate cosmetic benefit, which makes consistent wear much easier.”
What's the difference between mineral, chemical, and hybrid tinted sunscreens?
The three formulas differ mainly in how they interact with UV rays. "Mineral tinted sunscreens rely on zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to physically block and reflect UV rays, and they tend to be better tolerated by sensitive or reactive skin types," says Dr. Spearman. Chemical formulas work the opposite way, absorbing UV radiation and converting it into heat for a lighter, more invisible finish, though Dr.Olamiju warns they can occasionally sting the eyes if the product drips. Hybrid sunscreens split the difference: Per Dr. Spearman, they "combine both approaches to balance comfort and protection."
Meet the experts
- Kavita Mariwalla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in West Islip, New York
- Dara Spearman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Fort Wayne, Indiana
- Brianna Olamiju, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing every product that’s included in the review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best tinted sunscreens, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors — along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors — in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon — is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.